Become involved in the work of the Royal Women's Hospital by joining our team of volunteers.
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More than 80 women and men are volunteers at the Women’s. Volunteers come from many backgrounds and nationalities, and contribute in a range of ways to the benefit of women and babies cared for at the hospital.
Volunteer guides are easily recognised by their distinctive tee shirt, and are often the first point of contact for many newcomers to the hospital. Volunteers also assist behind the scenes in a variety of roles, providing clerical support in patient service areas, research services and in the fundraising arm of the hospital, the Foundation.
| Each morning a team of volunteers sells newspapers and magazines to staff and patients around the hospital. A percentage of all sales are donated to the Royal Women’s Hospital Foundation.
| >> How do I become a volunteer?
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How can you help?
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The range of volunteer activities is constantly expanding as requests for assistance are received. These are some of the ways you can assist...
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Clerical support
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Volunteers provide clerical support in many hospital departments including medical records, oncology, research, biomedical engineering, pay office, foundation, human resources, maternity and women’s health services. Tasks may include database entry, cataloguing, research, maintaining resources, preparation of patient histories, reports, filing or mail outs.
A team of volunteers assist the hospital Archivist with documenting and processing historical records and research. Volunteers also assist with the administration support provided by the fundraising arm of the hospital. More about the Royal Women's Foundation .
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Auxiliary
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There are currently two auxiliaries, the Heathersett and the Hawthorn Auxiliary. The Hawthorn Auxiliary is active at the Hawthorn market and at the Women’s, selling goods donated by dedicated sewers and knitters around Victoria. The auxiliary raises funds for specific projects or equipment needs at the hospital.
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Baby Bundle Program
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Knitters and sewers around Victoria donate baby clothes and toys which are made into beautiful “Baby Bundles” by a team of hospital volunteers. The Baby Bundles are distributed to mums and their babies through the Women’s Social Support Service, Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service (WADS) and the maternity wards.
The hospital cannot accept second hand goods, but new baby garments, toys, blankets, and other baby items are very welcome. If you can support the Baby Bundle Program, email the Volunteer Coordinator or phone 8345 2078.
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Cuddler program
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When parents are not able to be with their baby, the Newborn Intensive Care Unit can offer a team of volunteers trained to settle, comfort, play with and cuddle babies. There are currently no positions in the Cuddler program.
One trained Cuddler said:
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| “Having worked most of my adult life, the luxury of time to invest in young families now is something I treasure. For many years I have believed the comfort of touch, and being held, is crucial to each child’s sense of wellbeing.”
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Events
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Volunteers assist with events managed by the Women’s for the benefit of the hospital. This might involve tasks such as ‘meet and greet’ or organising mail-outs.
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Guides and escorts
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Our volunteer guides assist patients and visitors to find their way around the hospital. Their friendly assistance to patients and visitors helps make the Women’s a warm and welcoming place. Guides can be found roving around the ground, lower ground and first floors and at the volunteer desk.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer guide, and are able to commit to a minimum of four hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months, please contact us. Orientation and training are provided. People with conversational knowledge of languages other than English are very welcome.
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Patient Support
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We know that being in hospital for any length of time can be stressful, and that a friendly conversation can help. Conversational skills in languages other than English are appreciated. There are also opportunities for volunteers to assist with art, music or beauty therapy.
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How do I become a volunteer?
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The Women's will be recruiting volunteers again in early 2011 and will not be able to answer enquiries about volunteering until the New Year. In the meantime, we would like to thank prospective volunteers and look forward to speaking with you in 2011.
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If you would like to help and think you could give regular time commitment for a minimum of at least 12 months, email the Volunteer Coordinator or phone 8345 2078 in early 2011.
Orientation and training is provided to all volunteers. People with conversational skills in languages other than English are also welcome. Applicants are required to undergo a police check, 'Working With Children' check and reference checks. The recruitment process takes about three weeks.
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